Chapter 1

※This story is not centered around "serves you right."

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"Such an engagement is invalid. Lord Gorman of the Orvels family will break the engagement with Lucia Laguren!"

Lord Gorman's loud declaration stopped my thoughts.

The Laguren viscount's territory is a half-day's journey from the capital. It's not far, but it's not a distance where one would casually drop by without any reason. However, the shepherd of the territory informed us that Lord Gorman's carriage was approaching. This sudden visit without any prior notice was the first of its kind, and I welcomed him with tension, thinking it might be something important.

But... why did it come to this? It's too sudden.

Even my brother Albes, who welcomed him with me, was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events. But he soon regained his composure and spoke slowly.

"...Why did it come to this? I would like to hear your explanation."

"Viscount Laguren, put your hand on your heart and think. Haven't you recently made an outrageous demand to our Orvels family?"

"That..."

Albes tried to respond, but he paled and fell silent.

Lord Gorman's face, which was nervous but very well-featured, took on a high-handed expression.

"My father has always kept an eye on you, and the Laguren viscount's family has had a long-standing relationship with us. Therefore, we will show you leniency. The Orvels family will not demand any compensation from you."

Lord Gorman's tone was calm, and his voice sounded sweet. But his gaze was cold.

I glanced at Albes. He bowed his head, clenched his hands, but for some reason, he did not refute Lord Gorman's one-sided words. This was the first time I had seen my brother like this.

Noticing my confused expression, Lord Gorman moved his eyebrows and put on a seemingly kind face.

"Oh? Miss Lucia, do you know nothing about this? If that's the case, it's pitiful. ...But that can't be, right? You must have colluded to harm the Orvels family. It must be so!"

The kind face quickly twisted into something ugly. He spat out the words, and his eyes were filled with disgust as he looked at me.

When we first attended a ball together after our engagement, he taught me the steps arrogantly but kindly, even though I was a country girl who knew nothing. I had a vague feeling... I was disliked.

"...Please wait. My sister, Lucia, knows nothing."

"Is that so? Then let me tell you, Miss Lucia. Do you know how much your dowry is worth?"

"Of course I do."

I tried to hide my agitation and nodded, striving to sound as neutral as possible. There's nothing I can do about Lord Gorman disliking me. But I'm not so weak that I can endure unjust insults. I have the pride of a viscount's daughter.

Lord Gorman seemed displeased with my attitude. He furrowed his well-defined brows and tilted his too-thin chin as he glared at me.

"You act so high and mighty, but your dowry is ridiculously small. To marry into a count's family with that amount! I was lenient considering our past relationship, but this man asked for a reduction!"

Hearing this, I gasped and looked at my brother. Albes clenched his teeth, took a breath, and then spoke.

"Lord Gorman, I did not ask for a reduction. What I discussed was... the installment payment of the dowry or the postponement of the wedding."

"Hah! Did you hear that? Installments! To further divide an already meager dowry? What do you think the Orvels family is! The postponement of the wedding is even more out of the question! After enduring such humiliation, do you think the Orvels family would still proceed with the marriage!"

Lord Gorman glared at my brother and then leaned in close to my pale face.

"Do you understand now? I am breaking the engagement with you!"

He sneered and thrust his finger in front of my face, waiting for my expression to change. He must be expecting me to break down in tears.

But I won't cry. I tightened my stomach and looked straight back at Lord Gorman, whose gaze barely changed. His face twisted in anger.

"...Hey, say something!"

"I am very disappointed."

I spoke slowly, trying to keep my voice from trembling. Lord Gorman seemed to lose his temper and raised his fist.

I will be hit.

For a moment, I instinctively moved to avoid it. But remembering the difference in our family status, I closed my eyes and chose to stay where I was.